If you’re planning a full renovation, a smaller remodel, or simply replacing the floors in your property, there are a wide range of options to choose from.
Many people opt for the sleek appearance of wooden flooring. This is either through natural hardwood planks, or the range of engineered and synthetic materials on the market, like laminate and vinyl, which offer a convincing imitation of the real deal. Laminate is one of the most popular alternatives, but how does it compare to hardwood?
Comparing laminate vs hardwood flooring
Hardwood and laminate are both hard flooring types that offer a similar appearance, but they have plenty of differences that may be the deciding factor when choosing the right flooring for your requirements.
Composition and appearance
Hardwood flooring is composed entirely of solid wood, most commonly using species like maple, oak or walnut. This means that the color and design of hardwood floors are very limited compared to other flooring options, but when it comes to aesthetics, it’s the clear winner for wooden flooring (although the appearance of engineered hardwood is very comparable – more on that later).
Laminate flooring is made of layers, with a fiberboard core and an uppermost layer of wood byproducts. As its makeup mainly consists of natural wood, laminate is often regarded as the most realistic-looking plank flooring out of the natural wood-look alternatives.
Cost and lifespan
Hardwood flooring is a big investment, ranging from around $6 – $24 per square foot, not including installation costs. Despite being one of the most expensive flooring options, hardwood boasts an impressive estimated lifespan of between 30 and 100 years. The boards can be sanded and refinished multiple times to remove scratches, dents, and scuffs, maintaining the original condition of the flooring.
Laminate flooring can be purchased for a much lower cost than hardwood, ranging between $1 – $3.50 per square foot, however, its expected lifespan is only around 15 – 25 years. This is still a more than respectable time scale for flooring, but is nothing in comparison to the abilities of hardwood.
Durability
Hardwood is one of the most durable flooring options, with certain species of wood offering better durability than others. Types of wood are given a Janka hardness rating, which measures how resistant the wood is to wear, including dents and scratches. A higher rating indicates better durability, with species such as Brazilian Walnut, Brazilian Cherry, Santos Mahogany, Hickory, and Maple regarded as the most resistant options for hardwood flooring.
Despite its durability, the natural composition of hardwood floors makes them susceptible to temperature changes. This means hardwood floors aren’t suitable for use with underfloor heating systems.
Although not as inherently strong as hardwood, laminate flooring is also durable, with its uppermost layer purposed to protect the design of the boards against scratches, scuffs, and dents. Laminate floors aren’t prone to warping under harsh temperature changes, so out of the two flooring types in this comparison, laminate is the only option when underfloor heating is desired or already installed.
Water-resistance
Neither hardwood or laminate flooring is waterproof, and exposure to liquids can cause the boards to warp. Warped boards not only look untidy but also present a trip hazard, so areas affected by water damage will likely need replacing.
Both flooring types have some level of water-resistance – small spills shouldn’t become an issue if they’re cleaned up promptly. Where water-resistance is a priority, such as in households with pets or young children, there are more suitable solutions available.
Sound reduction
Laminate doesn’t offer desirable sound reduction qualities by itself, but its level of noise reduction can be increased by opting for thicker boards and installing certain underlays.
Hardwood absorbs reverberation well, which can help to reduce airborne noise. However, impact noise like footsteps or moving furniture can be amplified by its smooth surface. Sound-reducing underlay can be installed to increase the noise-reduction properties of hardwood, but the underlay must be installed underneath the subfloor which can be costly.
Looking for a flooring material with better noise-reduction qualities? We’ve previously covered which flooring types offer the best sound reduction.
Cleaning and maintenance
Both laminate and hardwood flooring are easy to clean with regular vacuuming and mopping.
When it comes to long-term maintenance, hardwood floors can be sanded and refinished to remove imperfections, as well as polished every 2 – 6 months for additional shine and protection. Comparably, there isn’t much you can do to restore the original appearance of laminate boards.
Installation
Laminate flooring is typically quicker, easier, and therefore, cheaper to install than hardwood. Many laminate products simply click or snap together, removing the need for adhesives or nails. Hardwood planks must be nailed down to the subfloor.
Always have your flooring installed by a professional to extend the lifespan of the floors and ensure maximum safety.
Is real wood better than laminate?
There’s no simple answer to whether real wood is better than laminate, as it entirely depends on your circumstances. Hardwood floors are incredibly long-lasting and are the best way to achieve the look of an authentic wooden floor. Laminate is a more affordable option with a wider variety of colors and styles to suit your interiors.
Engineered wood flooring is similar to both hardwood and laminate, being composed of layers like laminate, but with an uppermost layer of solid hardwood. Find out more about how engineered wood flooring compares to hardwood and laminate with our handy guides:
Take the time to consider your needs and determine which flooring material is best suited for your requirements. We have plenty of other flooring guides on our blog to help your decision!